New course offers free healthcare certifications

The Healthcare Workforce Training Institute now offers a free, state-approved course to become a certified direct care professional (CDCP) and a certified nursing assistant (CNA).

The CDCP-to-CNA Career Ladder Course is a pilot program by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), WisCaregiver Careers, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the Healthcare Training Institute, a nonprofit organization committed to increasing and advancing the healthcare workforce, through quality, accessible certifications and trainings.

“Both the CDCP and CNA certifications, are designed to help individuals increase their knowledge and skill, to serve those in need,” said Paula Gibson, director of the Healthcare Workforce Training Institute. “They are both vital care components to our community, but are also a stepping stone toward career advancement in the healthcare workforce.”

This free two-part course combines the 30 hours of online self-paced learning of the CDCP class, with 55 hours of in-person CNA training, which has been reduced from the standard 75 hours, as part of this offering. Participants will choose an in-person CNA training class located at a Healthcare Workforce Training Institute Education Center in either Bloomer, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Fennimore, Frederic, Lodi, Menomonie, Osseo, Rice Lake, Spooner, St. Croix Falls or Superior.

After completing the course, participants are able to take the state CNA certification testing for free. Participants may also qualify for a $250 to $1,000 bonus, should they choose to work for a WisCaregiver provider.

Participants must have completed the CDCP portion of the course by June 30, and obtained their CNA certification by Sept. 30.

Anyone 15 years of age or older, who is interested in the CDCP-to-CNA Career Ladder Course, can find out more information or get started, at wiscaregivercdcp.com.